May 7, 2026 | Waxahachie, TX — Nelson University Softball saw multiple student-athletes recognized by the Sooner Athletic Conference following the conclusion of the 2026 season, as the Lady Lions continued building momentum against one of the NAIA's toughest softball leagues.
Leading the way for Nelson were Layla Oliver and Elena Mendez, who both earned Second Team All-SAC honors, while Avery Coleman was named the program's Gold Glove Award recipient.
The trio represented a consistent core for the Lady Lions throughout the season, contributing offensively, defensively, and in the circle while helping Nelson compete through a demanding conference schedule.
Layla Oliver emerged as one of the top offensive performers for the Lions, finishing the season with a team-leading .356 batting average while starting all 52 games. Oliver collected 52 hits, scored 24 runs, and posted an impressive .473 on-base percentage, showcasing her ability to consistently create opportunities at the top of the lineup.
Elena Mendez delivered one of the most complete seasons on the roster, earning all-conference recognition as both a hitter and pitcher. At the plate, Mendez batted .316 with 50 hits and 19 stolen bases, while defensively she anchored the infield with 85 assists. In the circle, Mendez posted a team-best 3.18 ERA, totaling 68 strikeouts across 114.1 innings pitched while earning six victories against conference competition.
Avery Coleman's impact came defensively, where she secured the SAC Gold Glove honor after recording a .967 fielding percentage across 52 starts. Coleman totaled 86 putouts while committing just three errors throughout the season, establishing herself as one of the conference's most reliable defenders.
Despite facing one of the deepest softball conferences in the nation, the Lions continued to battle throughout the year, finishing the season with 18 wins while gaining valuable experience and continuing to lay the foundation for future success.
The conference recognition highlights the continued growth of the Nelson softball program and reflects the individual development and competitiveness displayed throughout the 2026 campaign.
Nelson University (formerly SAGU) is a private Christian university, established in 1927 by P.C. Nelson. The University is located 30 minutes south of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex in Waxahachie, Texas, and offers more than 70 associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees on campus or online. For more information, visit www.nelson.edu or by calling 1-888-YES-NELSON.
